View Full Version : Tent comparison matrix by manufacturer
The link below provides detailed information on what are considered by some to be the most common tents (1 person and more):
http://www.backcountrygear.com/catalog/tenttable.cfm?orderby=manufacturer
Useful starting point, however buying by number does not always work out.
A basic mistake that many make is to look at the length ,width and square footage listed rather then the "usable" internal space.
One approach that I like is the BOX that Tarptent has in their "Cutaway Dimensions" page.
http://www.tarptent.com/scarp1_2.html (http://www.tarptent.com/scarp1_2.html)
That lets you figure out the real available volume.
A quick way of doing this is this kind of drawing.
http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e389/Francophoto/odds/Akto-Soulo.jpg
I did that because someone was asking clarifications about my comment that the Akto has more usable space than the Soulo. He noted that the floor length was the same.
The drawing is not 100% accurate but just a 2 minute sketch to show the difference.
An example of the "did not pass" the test type:
http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e389/Francophoto/TheBunker.jpg
BTW, if the tent passes the 2d version, then I make a 3d one by using poles just to make sure...
http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e389/Francophoto/F1-Pips-test.jpg
Franco
Forgot to add..
When you make YOUR BOX , don't forget to add a few inches of length for your sleeping bag ends and for the height include the thickest mat you want to use for both laying down and sitting up room.
Franco
fiddlehead
03-03-2010, 05:53
Bummer.
I guess Backcountry.whatever doesn't think that my sil-shelter is one of the top 400 or 500 most common tarp/tents/shelters.
Even though I know at least 4 people who are still using them.
Nice website though.
The Tent Matrix only lists the tents that Backcountry gear actually sales. So there are lots of tents missing from the matrix.
Ron
I've try to provide information on this site that I've come across in my internet peregrinations that I believe might prove to be useful in some manner to the membership and visitors. If others have information that they too believe might prove similarly useful I urge them to post it too.
JustaTouron
03-03-2010, 12:13
I've try to provide information on this site that I've come across in my internet peregrinations that I believe might prove to be useful in some manner to the membership and visitors. If others have information that they too believe might prove similarly useful I urge them to post it too.
You post was interesting.
But Franco's explanation of why all floor space is not created equal was quite enlightening. And should not be taken as a personal attack on you.
that's actually a pretty cool comparison and good for general ideas/ballpark figures.
bulldog49
03-03-2010, 12:41
No six moon design ???
It's just a listing of what the site, BackcountryGear.com sells. Pretty impressive selection from a single retailer.
JustaTouron
03-03-2010, 13:32
Coram me indoctus sapientia silere.
Care to translate for those of us who didn't take latin
The Solemates
03-03-2010, 13:34
Useful starting point, however buying by number does not always work out.
A basic mistake that many make is to look at the length ,width and square footage listed rather then the "usable" internal space.
One approach that I like is the BOX that Tarptent has in their "Cutaway Dimensions" page.
That lets you figure out the real available volume.
A quick way of doing this is this kind of drawing.
I did that because someone was asking clarifications about my comment that the Akto has more usable space than the Soulo. He noted that the floor length was the same.
The drawing is not 100% accurate but just a 2 minute sketch to show the difference.
An example of the "did not pass" the test type:
BTW, if the tent passes the 2d version, then I make a 3d one by using poles just to make sure...
Franco
wow- why don't you just climb in and check it out at the store? :)
Care to translate for those of us who didn't take latin
The undeleted sentence simply means "I accomplished what I set out to do".
I take no offense by your post Franco.
Useful starting point, however buying by number does not always work out.
A basic mistake that many make is to look at the length ,width and square footage listed rather then the "usable" internal space.
One approach that I like is the BOX that Tarptent has in their "Cutaway Dimensions" page.
http://www.tarptent.com/scarp1_2.html (http://www.tarptent.com/scarp1_2.html)
That lets you figure out the real available volume.
A quick way of doing this is this kind of drawing.
http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e389/Francophoto/odds/Akto-Soulo.jpg
I did that because someone was asking clarifications about my comment that the Akto has more usable space than the Soulo. He noted that the floor length was the same.
The drawing is not 100% accurate but just a 2 minute sketch to show the difference.
An example of the "did not pass" the test type:
http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e389/Francophoto/TheBunker.jpg
BTW, if the tent passes the 2d version, then I make a 3d one by using poles just to make sure...
http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e389/Francophoto/F1-Pips-test.jpg
Franco
Thank you for the information you provided: it adds a very useful way to evaluate the utility of any particular shelter being sold or that one might consider making.
I just wanted to add one, somewhat off-thread comment:
I of course take no offense from any member's comments here, Franco's or otherwise: it's an open forum, one of the privileges of living in a country where the rule of law under the First Amendment applies and has real meaning, thankfully.
Maybe not that obvious , but to make those sketches/mock ups I still need the specs , like those found in the Link provided by RayBan, so my comment was meant to complement his not diminish/denigrate or whatever.
Of course climbing inside a tent (on top of the same type of mat you will use) is the best way but it may be a little difficult when the tent in question is not available at your nearest store or in fact not even in your continent.
Franco
Maybe not that obvious , but to make those sketches/mock ups I still need the specs , like those found in the Link provided by RayBan, so my comment was meant to complement his not diminish/denigrate or whatever.
Of course climbing inside a tent (on top of the same type of mat you will use) is the best way but it may be a little difficult when the tent in question is not available at your nearest store or in fact not even in your continent.
Franco
I may have supplied some "bricks and mortar" but you sir know to put it all together in a way that is most helpful. :)